Article of apparel with a coated graphic

ABSTRACT

A method of applying a graphic to an article is disclosed. The method includes applying a graphic to a backer material and covering the backer material with a clear protective layer, which may be silicone, to help prevent degradation of the graphic with time and use.

BACKGROUND

Methods of applying graphics to the palm of a glove have been previouslyproposed. For example, some manufacturers use multi-colored siliconecoatings to achieve color in the palm of a glove. As the coatings ofcolored silicone are applied, a silk screening process is used to applyone or more graphics to portions of the palm. However, as pigments areadded to the silicone, the molecular structure of the silicone candegrade, which can lead to less tensile strength and tack. Over time thecoating may weaken and become less durable. The result can be a degradedgraphical image over time. There is a need in the art for a design thatovercomes these shortcomings.

SUMMARY

The invention discloses an article with a graphic. In one aspect, theinvention provides an article configured to be worn, comprising: abacker material; a graphic disposed on the backer material; a protectivelayer applied over the backer material; and where the graphic isdisposed between the protective layer and the backer material.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a graphicto a portion of an article, comprising the steps of: receiving a graphicassociated with a portion of the article; applying the graphic to aportion of the backer material; covering the portion of the backermaterial including the graphic with a protective layer; and forming thearticle using the backer material

In another aspect, the invention provides an article, comprising: abacker material; a graphic disposed on the backer material; a protectivelayer applied over the backer material in a manner that disposes thegraphic between the backer material and the protective layer; a firstcondition of the article and a second condition of the article, whereinthe second condition occurs later than the first condition; and wherethe graphic is substantially preserved between the first condition andthe second condition.

The advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of theinvention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. Togain an improved understanding of the advantages and features ofnovelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptivematter and accompanying figures that describe and illustrate variousconfigurations and concepts related to the invention.

FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will bebetter understood when read in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a process for applying a graphic toan article.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of customizationsystem for creating a customized graphic.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an article witha set of customized graphics.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a system forsending information related to a customized graphic to a printer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a set ofcustomized graphics being applied to a backer material.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of aprotective layer being applied to a backer material.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a protectivelayer applied to a backer material.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion beingcut from a backer material.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion ofan article including a backer material, a graphic and a protectivelayer.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of aportion of an article including a backer material, a graphic and aprotective layer.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a palm portionof an article being associated with another portion of a glove.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an article ina first condition.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an article ina second condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include customizable articles and aprocess for applying a graphic to a customizable article. In theexemplary embodiment discussed this detailed description, the article isa glove. In particular, the exemplary embodiment is illustrated as afootball glove that may be associated with various football skillpositions such as wide receiver. In other embodiments, other types offootball gloves could be used. Although the glove of the exemplaryembodiment is discussed and depicted as having the configuration of afootball glove, concepts associated with the glove may be applied tovarious types of athletic gloves. In addition to a football glove,therefore, concepts discussed herein may be applied to soccer goalkeepergloves, hockey gloves, ski gloves, and weightlifting gloves, forexample. In addition, concepts discussed herein may be applied tovarious types of gloves used for generally non-athletic purposes (e.g.,work gloves, welding gloves, oven mitts).

In addition, it should be understood that the principles taughtthroughout this detailed description may be applied to additionalarticles as well. Generally, these principles could be applied to anyarticle that may be worn. In some embodiments, the article may includeone or more articulated portions that are configured to move. In othercases, the article may be configured to conform to portions of a wearerin a three-dimensional manner. Examples of articles that are configuredto be worn include, but are not limited to: footwear, gloves, shirts,pants, socks, scarves, hats, jackets, as well as other articles. Otherexamples of articles include, but are not limited to: shin guards, kneepads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, as well as any other type of protectiveequipment.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the article could be another type ofarticle that is not configured to be worn, including, but not limitedto: bags, purses, luggage, backpacks, as well as other articles that maynot be worn. In some embodiments, the customizable article could be atype of sports equipment including, but not limited to soccer balls,basketballs, footballs and other types of objects.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of process for applying a graphic to acustomizable article. Referring to FIG. 1, the process may include oneor more steps. During a first step 102, a graphic may be created. Theterm “graphic” as used throughout this detailed description and in theclaims, applies to any image, picture, text or indicia. In some cases, agraphic may be used for decorative purposes. In other cases, a graphicmay be used for displaying various types of information. In still othercases, a graphic may include the application of a color to a portion ora substantial entirety of an article. In some cases, a single solidcolor could be applied to a portion or a substantial entirety of anarticle. In other cases, multiple colors could be applied in variousmanners to a portion or a substantial entirety of an article.Furthermore, in still other cases, a graphic could include a combinationof images, colors and other types of designs.

Generally, a graphic may be configured with any size and shape,including, but not limited to: square shapes, rectangular shapes,elliptical shapes, triangular shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapesas well as other types of shapes. In some cases, a graphic may be threedimensional. In other cases, a graphic may be substantially twodimensional.

In different embodiments, a graphic can be created by various parties.In some cases, the graphic could be created by one or more personsassociated with a manufacturer. In other cases, the graphic could becreated by a customer. In still other cases, the graphic could becreated by a third party.

Following a first step 102 of creating a graphic, the graphic can beprinted to a backer material during a second step 104. The term “backermaterial” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claimsrefers to a material that may be associated with a portion of anarticle, which is configured to receive a graphic. For example, in thisexemplary embodiment, a backer material could be any material that maybe used in the palm of a glove. In some cases, a backer material can beassociated with other layers of an article. In an exemplary embodiment,the backer material can be associated with an outer layer of the palm ofa glove, so that the graphic can be visible along the palm.

Next, during a third step 106, a protective layer may be applied to thebacker material. In particular, the protective layer can be applied overa side of the backer material that includes a graphic. Finally, during afourth step 108, an article may be created using the backer material. Insome cases, the backer material can be associated with additionalportions of an article. For example, in this exemplary embodiment, thebacker material can be sewn to the palm of a partially assembled glove.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a graphic to an article caninclude provisions for customizing the graphic. In some cases, acustomer may have access to a customization system for selecting,creating and arranging one or more graphics on a portion of an article.Examples of one type of customization system that can be used with thepresent embodiments are disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 11/612,320, filed onDec. 18, 2006, and hereby incorporated by reference.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate embodiments of a customization system for anarticle. Referring to FIG. 2, computer 202 is configured to provideaccess to graphical interface system 204. In some embodiments, graphicalinterface system 204 may be a graphical editor of some kind. In anexemplary embodiment, graphical interface system 204 may provide a setof tools that allow the customer to easily apply a custom design to anarticle.

In some embodiments, graphical interface system 204 includes articlerepresentation 200. The term “article representation” as used throughoutthis detailed description and in the claims refers to a virtualrepresentation of an article within graphical interface system 204. Aspreviously discussed, article representation 200 can be a representationof a football glove. In this embodiment, a user may apply one or morecustomized graphics to various portions of article representation 200.

In different embodiment, the tools available to a user for applyingcustomized graphics can vary. In some embodiments, graphical interfacesystem 204 can include a set of pre-selected graphics. For example, inthis embodiment, graphical interface system 204 includes firstpre-selected graphic 220, second pre-selected graphic 222 and thirdpre-selected graphic 224, which are associated with a splatter-typegraphic, a tread-type graphic and a football icon graphic, respectively.It will be understood that other embodiments could include any number ofadditional pre-selected graphics. Furthermore, in still otherembodiments, a user may be able to create a customized graphic usingstandard graphics editing tools. In still further embodiments, a usermay have access to other databases of graphics, including, but notlimited to, digital photo-albums, online graphic databases, or othercollections of graphics that can be accessed via the internet or digitalmemory devices associated with computer 202.

In some embodiments, article representation 200 can be associated withone or more pre-selected graphic regions 230. In one embodiment,pre-selected graphic regions 230 may be associated with one or morefeatures of a palm portion of a football glove. In some cases, a usercan choose to apply a particular pre-selected graphic to one or more ofthe pre-selected graphic regions 230. For example, in the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, second pre-selected graphic 222 hasbeen applied to first pre-selected graphic region 232. Also, firstpre-selected graphic 220 has been applied to second pre-selected graphicregion 234.

Referring to FIG. 3, a finalized design for article representation 200can include a variety of different pre-selected graphics applied overeach of the pre-selected graphic regions 230. In some cases,pre-selected graphic regions 230 can be disposed on various portions ofan article. In this exemplary embodiment, pre-selected graphics regions230 can be disposed on phalangeal regions 310 and metacarpal region 312associated with the bones of the fingers and bones of the palm,respectively. In some cases, the spacing between adjacent pre-selectedgraphic regions 230 may be associated with joints of phalangeal regions310. In a similar manner, pre-selected graphic regions 230 disposed onmetacarpal region 312 may be associated with natural creases of thepalm. Although the current embodiment includes pre-selected graphicregions 230 that are disposed over a substantial majority of phalangealregions 310 and metacarpal region 312, other embodiments can include anyarrangement of pre-selected graphic regions 230.

In some embodiments, pre-selected graphic regions 230 may be associatedwith one or more pads of a glove. In other words, pre-selected graphicregions 230 may be raised portions of a glove. In other embodiments,however, pre-selected graphic regions 230 could be substantiallyflattened with respect to an outer surface of the glove.

Generally, a graphic may be applied to any type of substrate using apigment arrangement of some kind. In some cases, a graphic can betransferred to a backer material using a stamp. In other cases, agraphic can be applied as a sticker to the backer material. In stillother embodiments, the graphic can be transferred using traditionalinks, paints, or other materials for applying graphics. In one exemplaryembodiment, a graphic can applied using a dye sublimation technique. Inparticular, a graphic can be applied using a dye sublimation printer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a network andconnected computer hardware. Referring to FIG. 4, printer 408 may beconnected to computer 402 via network 404. In this exemplary embodiment,printer 408 is a dye sublimation printer. With this arrangement, anindividual may use computer 402 to transmit information related to agraphic to printer 408 via network 404. In different embodiments,computer 402 may be any type of computer, including either a desktop ora laptop computer. In other embodiments, computer 402 may be any type ofdevice that includes a display, a processor, and the ability to transmitand receive data from a remote network. Examples of such devicesinclude, but are not limited to, PDA's, cell phones, as well as othertypes of devices.

Generally, network 404 may be a system allowing for the exchange ofinformation between computer 402 and printer 408. Examples of suchnetworks include, but are not limited to, personal area networks, localarea networks, wide area networks, client-server networks, peer-to-peernetworks, as well as other types of networks. Additionally, the networkmay support wired transmissions, wireless transmissions, or both wiredand wireless transmissions. In some embodiments, network 404 may be apacket-switched communications system. In a preferred embodiment,network 404 may be the Internet. In other embodiments, network 404connecting printer 408 and computer 402 may be removed entirely and thecomputer hardware connected in a different manner. For example, inanother embodiment, printer 408 and computer 402 may be connected by aline, such as a cable. Printer 408, computer 402, and network 404 may belocated in a factory, retail store, or other establishment.Additionally, network 404 may be connected to the Internet. For example,if connected to the Internet, customers requiring customizable articlesmay transmit digital files to computer 402 from any portion of theworld.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a set of customized graphics beingapplied to a backer material. Referring to FIG. 5, backer material 500is inserted into printer 408. In this exemplary embodiment, customizedgraphic set 510 is applied to a surface of backer material 500. Inparticular, customized graphic set 510 may be applied in apre-determined arrangement that may be shaped like the palm of a hand.

In this exemplary embodiment, backer material 500 is depicted as havinga substantially conventional configuration incorporating a pluralitymaterial elements (e.g., textile, polymer sheets, polymer foam, leather,or synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together toform a structure that extends around and contacts the hand. The materialelements may be selected and located in order to impart properties ofdurability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort,for example. In some cases, backer material 500 can be configured as arectangular sheet of material from which any shaped portion for anarticle can be cut. In other embodiments, however, backer material 500can be pre-cut into a desired shape before insertion into a printer.

In the current embodiment, customized graphics are applied directly tothe backer material by way of a dye sublimation printer. In some otherembodiments, one or more customized graphics can be printed to a filmbefore being applied to a backer material. Following this, the graphiccan be transferred from the film to the backer material using a separateheating press. In other words, any type of dye sublimation process canbe used for transferring a graphic to a backer material.

A method of applying a graphic to an article can include provisions forprotecting the graphic from degradation. As previously discussed, insome cases a protective layer can be applied to the backer material.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate embodiments of a protective layer being appliedto a backer material. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, protective layer 600may be associated with first surface 512 of backer material 500, whichis a surface including customized graphic set 510. In some cases,protective layer 600 can be a pre-formed layer that is applied to backermaterial 500 using heat and/or pressure. In other cases, some type ofadhesive may be used to apply protective layer 600 to backer material500. In still other cases, protective layer 600 can be applied as aliquid spray that forms a solid layer when dried. In still otherembodiments, protective layer 600 can be deposited onto backer material500 in any other manner.

Referring to FIG. 7, protective layer 600 has been applied to backermaterial 500. In different embodiments, the properties of protectivelayer 600 can vary. In some cases, protective layer 600 can be asubstantially transparent layer. In other cases, protective layer 600can be a substantially translucent layer. In an exemplary embodiment,protective layer 600 can be a substantially clear material. In thisexemplary embodiment, for example, customized graphic set 510 may bevisible through protective layer 600.

A protective layer can be made of any type of material. Examples ofdifferent materials that can be used include, but are not limited to,polymers, rubbers, silicone based materials, as well as other types ofmaterials. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer may be amade of a material including silicone. Furthermore, the silicone mayhave a substantially transparent property to allow a graphic to be fullyvisible through the protective layer. In comparison with bare naturallatex foam materials, using a material comprising silicone may provide ahigher coefficient of friction for an exterior surface of a glove madeusing backer material 500.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, once a protective layer has been applied toa backer material with a graphic, a portion may be cut from the backermaterial. Referring to FIG. 8, palm portion 800 may be cut from asubstantially square portion of backer material 500. In differentembodiments, palm portion 800 can be cut using any known method in theart. For purposes of illustration, the cutting of palm portion 800 isindicated using scissors 802. Examples of other cutting devices include,but are not limited to, razors, stamp cutting devices, laser cuttingdevices as well as other cutting devices.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of palm portion 800. In thisexemplary embodiment, palm portion 800 may include backer material 500.Furthermore, customized graphic set 510 is disposed on backer material500. In addition to first surface 512 which may be associated withprotective layer 600, backer material 500 may have a second surface 1006and an inner boundary 514 located between first surface 512 and secondsurface 1006. Backer material 500 may have a first portion 1002extending from first surface 512 to inner boundary 514 and a secondportion 1004 extending from inner boundary 514 to second surface 1006.In some cases, customized graphic set 510 comprises an arrangement ofdyes that are associated with first portion 1002 of backer material 500.In particular, customized graphic set 510 may extend from first surface512 through first portion 1002 and to inner boundary 514, and may notextend through second portion 1004 of backer material 500. With thisarrangement, customized graphic set 510 may be visible on first surface512 of backer material 500. In contrast, in some cases, customizedgraphic set 510 may not be visible on second surface 1006 of backermaterial 500, which may be associated with an interior of a glove insome cases.

In the current embodiment, customized graphic set 510 can be createdusing two different colored dyes, as illustrated in FIG. 10. However, itshould be understood that in other embodiments, any number of dyesand/or colors can be used to create a set of customized graphics.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, protective layer 600 may be attached to firstsurface 512 of backer material 500. In different embodiments, protectivelayer 600 can have different thicknesses. In some cases, protectivelayer 600 can be thicker than backer material 500. In other cases,protective layer 600 can be thinner than backer material 500. In stillother cases, protective layer 600 can have a substantially similarthickness to backer material 500. In this exemplary embodiment,protective layer 600 has a thickness T1 and backer material 500 has athickness T2. In particular, thickness T1 is substantially larger thanthickness T2.

After a graphic and a protective layer have been applied to a backermaterial, the backer material may be combined with one or moreadditional portions to form an assembled article. Referring to FIG. 11,palm portion 800 may be associated with glove portion 1100. In somecases, glove portion 1100 comprises a majority of the portions of aglove. In this case, palm portion 800 may be combined with glove portion1100 to form a full assembled glove. In different embodiments, palmportion 800 can be combined with glove portion 1100 in any manner knownin the art, including, but not limited to, sewing and/or gluing.

In some embodiments, a protective layer can be configured to maintainthe integrity of one or more graphics that have been applied to a backermaterial. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment of two differentconditions of glove 1200. In particular, a first condition of glove 1200may be associated with a substantially new condition of a glovefollowing a manufacturing process. Additionally, a second condition ofglove 1200 may be associated with a used condition of glove 1200. Inthis used condition, glove 1200 may have scratches and/or otherindicators of use.

In some embodiments, as glove 1200 transitions from first condition to asecond condition, protective layer 1210 may be substantially worn down.In one embodiment, the first condition of glove 1200 may be associatedwith thickness T3 for protective layer 1210. Furthermore, the secondcondition of glove 1200 may be associated with thickness T4. In someembodiments, due to time and use, thickness T4 can be substantially lessthan thickness T3. In one exemplary embodiment, thickness T4 may beapproximately fifty percent of the value of thickness T3.

Although protective layer 1210 may be substantially worn down, theintegrity of customized graphics 1230 are maintained with time and usebecause of the protection provided by protective layer 1210. In somecases, customized graphics 1230 extend throughout first portion 1212 ofbacker material 1220. In other words, the dyes of customized graphics1230 may extend throughout first portion 1212. In some cases, customizedgraphics 1230 may have a thickness T5 associated with the firstcondition of glove 1200. Following some time and use, customizedgraphics 510 have a thickness T6 associated with the second condition ofglove 1200. In this exemplary embodiment, thickness T5 may besubstantially equal to thickness T6. In other words, the extension ofcustomized graphics 510 throughout first portion 1212 is maintainedbetween the first condition and second condition. In contrast, inembodiments where a graphic is embedded in a coating disposed on abacker material, some portions of the graphic may be worn away with timeand/or use. Similarly, in embodiments where a graphic is printed onto abacker material without the use of a protective layer, portions of thegraphic may be worn away from the exposed portions of the backermaterial.

The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying figures withreference to a variety of configurations. The purpose served by thedisclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various featuresand concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of theinvention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerousvariations and modifications may be made to the configurations describedabove without departing from the scope of the present invention, asdefined by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A glove comprising: a backer materialforming an entire palmar side of the glove; a dye sublimated graphicprinted directly on the backer material and covering all of the backermaterial; and a protective layer applied over the backer material,wherein the graphic is disposed between the protective layer and thebacker material, and the backer material is combined with one or moreadditional portions of the glove to form the glove, and wherein theprotective layer is a transparent silicone and the graphic is visiblethrough the protective layer.
 2. The article of apparel according toclaim 1, wherein the graphic comprises one or more dyes arranged on thebacker material.
 3. The article of apparel according to claim 2, whereinthe article of apparel is a glove and a material of the protective layerhas a higher coefficient of friction than the backer material.
 4. Aglove comprising: a backer material having a metacarpal region and aplurality of phalangeal regions and forming an entire palmar portion ofthe glove, the backer material having a first surface and an oppositesecond surface facing away from a hand of a wearer, and the backermaterial incorporating at least one of a textile material, a polymermaterial, a polymer foam material, a leather material, and a syntheticleather material; a dye sublimated graphic printed directly on thebacker material in the metacarpal region and the phalangeal regions; anda protective layer applied over all of the backer material in a mannerthat disposes the graphic between the backer material and the protectivelayer, wherein (a) the backer material has a first portion disposed on afirst side and a second portion disposed on a second side opposite thefirst side, (b) the graphic extends from the first surface through thefirst portion, (c) the backer material has a first thickness, theprotective layer has a second thickness, and the second thickness isgreater than the first thickness, (d) the backer material is combinedwith one or more additional portions of the glove to form the glove, (e)the protective layer is a transparent layer, and (f) the graphic isvisible through the protective layer.
 5. The glove according to claim 4,wherein the protective layer includes silicone.
 6. The glove accordingto claim 4, wherein the graphic includes a plurality of graphic regionsdisposed over a substantial majority of the metacarpal region and thephalangeal regions.
 7. The glove according to claim 6, wherein thegraphic regions are raised portions of the glove.
 8. A glove comprising:a first material element forming an entire palmar side of the glove, thefirst material element having a metacarpal region and a plurality ofphalangeal regions, the first material element having a first surfacefacing away from a hand of a wearer and an opposite second surface, andthe first material element incorporating at least one of a textilematerial, a polymer material, a polymer foam material, a leathermaterial, and a synthetic leather material; a dye sublimated graphicprinted directly on the first surface and covering all of the firstsurface, the graphic extending from the first surface through a firstportion of the first material element, and the graphic not extendingthrough a second portion of the first material element; a protectivelayer applied over all of the first surface in a manner that disposesthe graphic between the first material element and the protective layer,the protective layer being a transparent silicone, and the printedgraphic being visible through the protective layer; and one or moreadditional material elements, the first material element being combinedwith the one or more additional material elements to form a structurethat extends around and contacts the hand of the wearer.